‘SVRSVM CORDA’, a newly-commissioned opera based on the myth of St. Catherine of Alexandria, is pleased to open applications for leading cast members and chorus. This exciting work has been composed as part of St Catharine’s College’s celebration of the University’s 800th Anniversary, and features new music by Benjamin Cox to an original libretto by Edward Herring, both current students of the college, and will premiere at the College on SATURDAY 28TH NOVEMBER, 2009.
This emotional story follows the life of Catherine of Alexandria, from her beginnings as a pagan to her martyrdom for her Christian faith.
Inspired by a vision of her betrothal to Christ, Catherine begins preaching the Christian message, provoking the disapproval of her parents and catching the attention of the powerful Roman Emperor Maxentius and his loyal advisor Porphyrius. Having failed to disgrace her faith, Maxentius incarcerates Catharine. She subsequently converts the Emperor’s wife, Porphyrius, and the prison guards, resulting in their deaths. Driven to insanity, Maxentius orders Catherine’s tortuous death on a spiked wheel, but is thwarted when the wheel shatters because of ‘divine power’. Panic-stricken, Maxentius offers Catherine a final chance to repent, but her refusal to bow to his will leads to her beheading.
Auditions will be held on SATURDAY 13TH JUNE (10AM-6PM) and MONDAY 15TH JUNE (9AM-4PM) in ST CATHARINE’S COLLEGE CHAPEL.
To arrange an audition please contact the producer Sophie Henstridge (serh4@cam.ac.uk) in advance to arrange a time (auditions will last no longer than 10 minutes). Please specify whether you will require an accompanist and, if possible, your choice of repertoire. Singers are requested to audition with one or two pieces that demonstrate their vocal capabilities, and preferably adhere to the character for which they are auditioning. Available roles include:
CATHERINE (soprano)
EMPEROR MAXENTIUS (bass)
PORPHYRIUS (tenor)
QUEEN (mezzo-soprano)
FATHER (bass/baritone)
MOTHER (mezzo-soprano)
1ST CITIZEN (tenor)
2ND CITIZEN (baritone)
CHORUS (SATB)
For more information about the roles, please contact either Sophie or Ben (bdjc2@cam.ac.uk)
